SECOND SINNOTT SISTER STEPS INTO THE LIMELIGHT

BALLINDAGGIN woman Alison Sinnott followed sister Julie into the spotlight when she was crowned 2017 Blue Jean Country Queen at the 30th Anniversary Blue Jean Country Queen Festival in County Meath.

21-year-old Alison from Coolree, Ballindaggin wowed the judges in Athboy during the weekend long festival to claim the title and no doubt the Sinnott family will be hoping that lightning strikes twice when sister Julie represents Wexford at this year’s Rose of Tralee festival.

Alison, who is a member of the Kiltealy/Ballindaggin Macra na Feirme, said she joined the club in January 2016 having been approached by the chairman. She wasn’t put off by the fact that she would be the first female member of the club and said ‘she hasn’t looked back since!’

‘After I joined I visited all four Macra festivals, Mr Personality, Blue Jeans Country Queen, Miss Macra and Queen of the Land and thought that it was something that I’d really like to get involved in.

‘ This January I went to titles night in Wexford where the clubs select their representatives for the various festivals and I was selected for Blue Jeans Country Queen so I said I’d give it a whirl.

‘I had an absolutely unbelievable weekend at the festival. I didn’t know what would be in store for me but I met so many lovely people and it was just such a positive experience. Everyone who was there wanted to be there and you could really feel that. I never expected to win. I just wanted to enjoy the festival and to come away with silverware was an added bonus.’

Alison said the weekend was jam packed with everything from team building at an activity farm and a barbecue to a fancy dress football game and a gala banquet not to mention interviews with the judging panel.

Alison was awarded the top prize by judges, John Conway (former Macra Leinster Vice President), Geoff Thompson (Ulster Young Farmers) and Samantha Baldwin (1987 Blue Jean Country Queen). She received a silver trophy, a glass trophy, tiara, sash, jewellery box, pen and a €1,000 cash prize.

She pledged to represent not just the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival but all the young women who took part this year. ‘It’s such an honour not only to represent my county, Wexford, but the outstanding young women who all participated in the Blue Jean Country Queen 2017. I feel honoured and privileged to have shared the weekend with such empowering Queens.’

A third year Ag Science student, Alison is currently on work experience with the Farmer’s Journal.